HANDSWORTH ROADHOGS RUNNING CLUB

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Handsworth Roadhogs Running Club is committed to complying with the welfare, and health and safety policies directed by England Athletics and government legislation in order to provide a safe environment for our members. The following guidance is aimed at all members of the Club but is particularly relevant to those runners who are less experienced. It aims to provide all runners with tips on safer running on Club runs. Much of the guidance is also worth bearing in mind when running alone or in smaller groups outside the Club run setting.

GENERAL

A short group briefing should take place before the start of any Club run session to explain who the group leaders are, the route, stopping/meeting points and any safety aspects. Additional stopping/meeting points will also be used if faster runners get significantly in front of any other runners.

When running with a group, all members of the group should start and finish more or less together and no single person should be left out of sight of other runners. Anyone needing to finish early should please let the group leaders know of their intentions.

Faster runners should remember to wait regularly or run back to meet slower runners. When it is clear there are runners of widely different speeds consideration will be given to having two runs available based on the same route, with one shorter than the other. This is more likely to be feasible when a Club run is well attended.

Runners should take on board any information from the run leaders

ROAD RUNNING

-Headphones should not be worn during a Club run as they impede communication and alertness to any dangers.

-Runners should consider wearing bright and/or reflective clothing so they can easily be seen. Particular care should be taken on pavements on busy roads and on roads with no pavements. Unless daylight is good roads without pavements should be avoided unless runners have lights, even then extra vigilance is required.

-Night runs should take normally take place in lit areas and unlit areas generally avoided. Runners need lights if they do run on unlit roads

-Runners should stay alert and be aware of their surroundings

-When crossing roads runners must wait for traffic to pass

-Runners need to be considerate of other road/pavement users, especially the elderly and young children. Dogs, especially if not on a lead, mobility scooters, and bicycles including e-bikes also require vigilance.

-If you find yourself well ahead of the group please loop back or wait, this ensures the group stays reasonably together and means everyone in the group can get the best from their run. Most of our routes have well established waiting locations; these can be highlighted by the run leaders.

OFF ROAD RUNNING

-Runners should bear in mind that, off the road, a rough surface can present a challenge as well as the weather. Distance from the road can test the ability to respond to an injury or other unforeseen event. Be aware of other people and animals in the vicinity of your route.

-At least one runner in the group should carry a mobile phone in case of an unforeseen issue/emergency

-Wear trail shoes or spikes when appropriate to reduce the risk of slipping

-Be aware of the surface you are running on and watch for any hazards such as tree routes, brambles, large stones, uneven or slippery paths, overhanging branches and overgrown vegetation

-Always adhere to the countryside code, including shutting all gates

HOT WEATHER

Running in hot conditions can pose some problems, the main one being dehydration. Signs of dehydration include a persistent high pulse rate after finishing the run, urine discolouration and thirst.

When running if you become dizzy, nauseated or other unusual side effects, it is important to stop the run and get a drink. If the symptoms seek medical advice.

Consider wearing clothing that protects your sensitive skin areas, including a hat or cap.

COLD WEATHER

Wear the appropriate clothing to suit the conditions and sufficient layers to stop you feeling the cold, particularly if you are standing around before and or after the run. Consider wearing a hat and gloves too to properly regulate body temperature. However be mindful that your body temperature will rise once you start running, light clothes you can take off and carry with you i.e. around you waist, can be useful.

Be careful when running in snowy, icy conditions and avoid running on roads without pavements in such conditions.